A REVOLUTIONARY new crimebusting spray is being fitted to shops in Burnley and Pendle to tackle smash-and-grab raiders.

The liquid, which shows up under UV light and cannot be washed off, comes from an aerosol which is designed to coat thieves in the act with a fine mist.

It has its own unique ‘DNA’, enabling police to identify which shop it has come from.

The device can be triggered by a panic button or set like an alarm overnight and activated if anyone should break in.

Unlike widely-used anti-vandal Smart Water, which is limited to a certain area, the spray is designed to fill a room quickly.

The device has been handed out in crimefighting kits to five firms and shops in Burnley and Colne after cash was secured by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime.

If it proves successful as a deterrent it it hoped to make the device available to other shops across Pendle, Burnley and Rossendale.

Several thefts have taken place at Almaine Electrical, in Church Street, Colne, and PC Laura Hornby, community beat manager for the town centre, has delivered extra cameras and the DNA spray to the shop.

Michael Speak, a partner at Almaine, said the business had suffered three recent burglaries and had also fitted steel security grilles.

He said: “For one of the burglaries the police were fairly confident they knew who it was but unless you catch them with the stolen property it is difficult.

“This spray shoots out a fine mist, which you can’t wash off, so it will be linked back to the shop. It should prove to be very useful.”

CCTV systems, bank note detectors and anti-climb paint have also been distributed after the partnership secured more than £3,000 from Whitehall.

The other beneficaries in Burnley include Ray Winter’s electrical shop in Briercliffe Road, Barden Lane based Linda’s off licence, motor store Top Gear in Colne Road and Jane’s wool shop in Brennand Street.

Crime prevention officer PC Phil Buck said: “The equipment, paid for with money secured from the partnership, will help to deter thieves.

“Technology like the DNA spray will ensure that if a crime is committed, there is an increased likelihood of offenders being identified and convicted.”